Capital Improvement Projects:
The design team addresses requests from the University community, both Columbia and Regional campuses, to increase or upgrade communications (voice and data) connectivity (fiber and copper). We assist University Facilities Project Managers with recommendations on the design of communications closets and their interconnection. Coordinate the resources, internal and external, needed to satisfy the requests during renovations. Estimates are provided on request for budgeting of projects. Periodic site inspections are made as well as over-site of the communications connectivity installation process. Activation of voice and data service at the completion of the project is scheduled. The initiation of the paper trail for purchase requisitions for time and materials to accomplish the customers goals also reside within the group.

New Construction:
Infrastructure Planning Services meets with the architects, as invited, to insure that the building design incorporates communications infrastructure requirements. IPS reviews the installation of the communications infrastructure to assure standard installation, customer requirements are met and to see that it is in conjunction with the University installation standards document. During construction, our team attends the periodic construction contractors meetings to review the project.

Communications Outside Plant:
IPS is also responsible for the communications pathways and cabling between buildings on the University campus. When new or additional service is needed or when service to a building is damaged, our team designs and manages the project. Outside plant projects are similar to other projects in that they include design, estimates for parts, labor, hiring of contractors and project oversight.

Telephone Services
Our mission is to provide telephone support for faculty, staff, and students of the University in supporting education and research. We fulfill this mission by providing a high-level of customer service and equipment to the 17,000+ users at the Columbia Campus and act as a single point of contact for all communications service providers. This allows the University to enjoy economic advantages and superior quality in services and equipment. We also provide support to other USC campuses across the state.